This Spam Fried Rice is a very popular dish from Hawaii. I first had it on my trip to Honolulu and I have been making it ever since for quick lunches on weekdays. I am using low-sodium Spam because I find the regular stuff way too salty, but you can use whatever you want.
Can't get enough of fried rice? Try my Shrimp Fried Rice and Char Siu Fried Rice next!
๐ About This Recipe
There is something about Spam that is very addictive. It was a staple food for me growing up, and to this day, I keep a few cans in my pantry at all times. You can use it as a meaty protein for so many dishes like fried rice, kimbap, soup, and omelet. But one of my favorite ways is just to panfry it and eat it with crackers and cheese.
A few years ago, my wife and I went on a trip to Hawaii and I tried Spam fried rice for the first time. We were at a brunch spot, and it came as a side with my omelet. It was so tasty. The combination of chewy rice and crispy chunks of Spam was a bite of heaven.
For my recipe, I use leftover rice that has been sitting for a day. It might sound weird, but trust me, it gives the rice a chewier texture and helps it soak up more flavor from the seasonings. Plus, it is less sticky, so it is easier to work with.
๐ง Ingredients
- Spam: You will need to shake it out of the can and then chop it into bite-sized chunks.
- Rice: I am using leftover rice from the previous day. This is super important for giving the fried rice a good texture. The concept is that day-old rice is slightly dryer, so when it is tossed with the oil and seasonings, each grain will be evenly coated.
- Vegetables: I am using a medley of frozen peas and corn, but you can use whatever you want. We also need onions, garlic and green onions.
- Seasonings: Soy sauce, oyster sauce, toasted sesame oil, and a little bit of sugar to taste.
- Eggs
- Oil
๐ช Instructions
STEP 1: In a wok, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over high heat until it is lightly smoking. Add the eggs and scramble them with chopsticks. It is okay if they are still a little runny as we will cook them again at the end.
STEP 2: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in the wok over high heat. Add the Spam and cook for 1 minute until lightly browned.
STEP 3: Reduce the heat to medium, add the garlic and onions, and cook for 2 minutes until the onions are tender and translucent.
STEP 4: Increase the heat to high and add the frozen vegetables. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the veggies feel very hot. You can check by hovering the back of your hand over the veggies. If they feel warm, you can go to the next step!
STEP 5: Add the rice and stir fry for 3 minutes, breaking up the rice as you go, until the rice is hot.
STEP 6: Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and toasted sesame oil and cook for another 2 minutes until the rice is coated in the sauces. Finally, add the eggs and chopped green onions and stir to mix. Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately.
๐ Recipe
Hawaiian Spam Fried Rice
Ingredients
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Stir-fry
- 4 tablespoons neutral oil (divided)
- 3 large eggs (beaten)
- โ can Spam (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ยฝ medium onion (diced)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 2 scallions (sliced)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and toasted sesame oil, and set aside.
- In a wok, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over high heat until it is lightly smoking. Add the eggs and scramble them with chopsticks. It is okay if they are still a little runny as we will cook them again at the end.
- Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in the wok over high heat. Add the Spam and cook for 1 minute until lightly browned.
- Reduce the heat to medium, add the garlic and onions, and cook for 2 minutes until the onions are tender and translucent.
- Increase the heat to high and add the frozen vegetables. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the veggies feel very hot. You can check by hovering the back of your hand over the veggies. If they feel warm, you can go to the next step!
- Add the rice and stir fry for 3 minutes, breaking up the rice as you go, until the rice is hot. Add the sauce mixture and cook for another 2 minutes until the rice is evenly coated. Finally, add the eggs and chopped green onions and stir to combine. Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately.
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